FESTIVAL organisers have raised £5,000 for charities.

Organisers of the annual Cosmic Puffin festival, which took place at Mersea Youth Camp, in Rewsalls Lane, Mersea Island, last weekend plans to divide the money between two groups; Bliss, which cares for premature babies, and the National Autistic Society.

Co-organiser Rusty Russell said: “This year was a resounding success.

“The feedback we’ve been given was great and next year we just want to raise more for the charities as that is what it’s all about for us.”